With Arnold Schwarzenegger confirming multiple times that he intends to be involved in the franchise’s fifth big screen entry, The Examiner are reporting that the ‘Terminator 5′ screenplay is being written specifically with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in mind to play the villainous ‘Terminator’ in the movie. The outlet said “A source close to the project says one idea being considered for the film could throw fans of the Terminator franchise for a loop. According to the scenario outlined, T5 may be a prequel set in the days of Sarah Connor’s parents, marking the first time terminators have been sent back in time to kill a character that existed before both John and Sarah Connor.”

“Incredibly, Schwarzenegger may not play the role of a machine in the next film, but a potentially heroic human figure in or close to the Connor family. One theory is that Schwarzenegger’s remarkable ability to protect the Connor family in the 1940s or 1950s with antiquated weaponry by today’s standards ultimately inspired the machines to develop a terminator in his likeness that was eventually sent to 1984 when Sarah Connor was first targeted for termination.”

Paramount Pictures recently acquired distribution rights to ‘Terminator 5,’ which is being produced by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures and David Ellison’s Skydance Productions. As reported January last year, the Ellison’s pegged Laeta Kalogridis (Shutter Island, Avatar) and Patrick Lussier (Drive Angry) to pen the next installment in the sci-fi series, though no details regarding its creative direction were reported.

‘Fast Five’ and ‘Fast & Furious 6′ helmer Justin Lin was originally attached to direct ‘Terminator 5,’ but the producers intended to start production in December 2012, forcing him to depart the project in September 2011 in order to finish ‘Fast & Furious 6.’ At the time he did leave the door open for a possible return in the event that production was delayed – which it has been. ‘Terminator 5′ is expected to start production in January.